MORE than 300 jobs are expected to be created in Guyra over the next five years if plans to expand Costa’s tomato farm go ahead.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Infrastructure Andrew Stoner last week visited Guyra to signal the NSW Government’s support for Costa’s plan to expand its glasshouse operations.
Mr Stoner toured the current Guyra glasshouse facility with Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall and Costa Tomato Category’s general manager Oliver Flint.
Costa is currently undertaking a major feasibility project to build an additional 20-hectare tomato glasshouse facility at Guyra.
This project will fulfil the company’s growth strategy over the next five years and creating more than 300 extra employment opportunities.
Mr Stoner said NSW Trade and Investment was working with Costa in support of its efforts to expand.
“Costa is one of Australia’s biggest horticultural businesses, operating farms all over regional NSW, including berry farms in northern and southern NSW, a grape farm in the far west and a mushroom farm in the southern highlands,” he said.
“The Costa tomato category is a long-term client of NSW Trade and Investment and the department is currently working with the company to support a bid for funding for a new glasshouse at Guyra under the Regional Industries Investment Fund.”
Mr Marshall said Costa’s Guyra tomato glasshouse had been operating for the last eight years and was one of the biggest employers in the region.
“Costa already employs 350 employees during peak season and, with this expansion, more local people will be able to find jobs, which will be of huge benefit to the region,” he said.
“The facility’s operations are extremely efficient,” Mr Marshall said.
“Its current two 10-hectare glasshouses provide a controlled environment, where temperatures can be moderated and sunlight harnessed to control the amount of water used – this is particularly useful for the cold Guyra winter.”
Mr Flint said the Guyra farm grew blush-branded truss tomatoes year round, which were then packed in five kilogram trays and 500g pre-packed formats for delivery to Australia’s major retailers and domestic markets.
“We also produce two varieties of cocktail truss tomatoes predominantly pre-packed for the retail chains,” Mr Flint said.
“We use glasshouse technology to grow our quality tomatoes and minimise the environmental impact of our production.”
